I know Augusta is for the players, as getting here is not easy, and winning here is a life-changing event. I have been drawn to the patrons, as their visit here is also life-changing. I find their stories fascinating and extremely interesting, and I hope you do too. I have been trying to just let the stories unfold for me as each day progresses.
So today, I arrived at about 5 this morning and was the first one in the media center. I reflected on my approach for the day, had breakfast at 6, came back to my work area, and reviewed and sent some emails.
Tommy Fleetwood Press Conference (click to read)
I attended the 9:30 Fleetwood press conference, as I like him. He toiled on the tour, winless in 164 starts, until he won the PGA Tour Championship. He had to wonder if he would ever win, but win he did, along with the $10 million prize.
Carl Jackson
I ventured out on the course at about 10:30 and just let it flow. I saw a familiar face who was engaged in conversation with one of the members, so I waited my turn to go and talk with Carl Jackson. Mr. Jackson is iconic at Augusta National. I also consider him historic and venerable.
You see, Mr. Jackson was one of the Black caddies who worked at Augusta for years. According to the article written by CNN’s Jack Bannon, Black men—and only Black men—carried the bags from the inception of the Masters in 1934 until 1983, when players could bring their own caddies. Well, Carl was “on the bag.”
Bannon’s article also states that Jackson worked at the Augusta Country Club before graduating to Augusta National in 1958. In 1976, he paired with Ben Crenshaw for the first time. The soft-spoken Jackson was a green-reading extraordinaire. After finishing runner-up on their first outing, in 1984 Crenshaw clinched a two-shot victory over Watson to seal his maiden major title. Crenshaw and Jackson would celebrate a second green jacket in 1995.
Mr. Jackson has won two Masters. He is special, so I couldn’t wait to shake his hand and give him a bro-hug. His brother Jimmy was there, and we all embraced the moment and each other. We finished our conversation with a prayer and an autograph from Carl. I am grateful to know Carl Jackson.
The Gift Shop
OK, I gave in and went to the gift shop, as I was being bombarded by people to purchase caps, hats, etc. Thank goodness it was just a 45-minute journey via a long, meandering line to get into the shop. Believe me, I was not enthused about even getting in line, but I have to admit that the line did move and wasn’t as bad as I thought.
I did my shopping, paid, and left with just minor damage to my wallet. Of course, I was contacted again to secure more merchandise, and I decided to go back a second time—yes, a second time. All I can say is that being known by your first name at the Augusta gift shop can’t be good for your wallet.
Rory McIlroy Press Conference (click to read)
This was a very well attended presser, probably 200 media in attendance and you can read the full details here.
I thought since he is the defending champion and the latest member of the career grand slam club that I should attend. Rory was also another one I was pulling for to win the Masters last year. He conducted a great press conference.
Ben Davis
When I returned to the media center, I had a text from a young man I met on Saturday. We had discussed his career in IT and the opportunities in golf. I had encouraged him to go to the Make Golf Your Career website and view the opportunities and post his information.
Ben Davis, is a 28-year-old IT Professional by day and a musician by night, who also loves the game of golf. Born in Augusta, GA and raised in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. He is based in Greensboro, NC, enjoys watching golf, solving technical issues, and playing jazz.
Here is his text. This really added to the great day I was already having at Augusta.
I finished my day polishing off this article and hope that I have done justice to the great day I enjoyed. Here is information about the fun par 3 contest on Wednesday,. Thanks to the companies sponsoring my reporting from the Masters. Please look at their information and support them.
Special Thanks to the sponsors of this report who are supporting the magazine’s efforts in covering the activities at the Augusta National Golf Course. DECISIVE MEDIA, EBONY GREENS, TOMMY BURNS GOLF CHALLENGE COINS, LLC
MASTERS DAILY REPORT SPONSORED BY:
